LSAT Explanation PT 31, S2, Q4: Doctor: The practice of using this

LSAT Question Stem

Which one of the following most accurately expresses the main point of the doctor's argument? 

Logical Reasoning Question Type

This is a Main Conclusion question. 

Correct Answer

The correct answer to this question is E. 

LSAT Question Complete Explanation

Let's first analyze the argument in the passage. The doctor is arguing against the practice of using a specific therapy to treat an illness. The argument can be broken down into the following parts:

Premise: The therapy is expensive and complicated.

Conclusion: The claim that any therapy for treating the illness is more effective than no therapy at all cannot be adequately supported.

The doctor's main point is that the potential effectiveness of the therapy is not enough to justify its use, as there are other factors, such as cost and complexity, that must be considered.

Now, let's identify the question type and discuss the answer choices. The question type is Main Conclusion, which asks us to find the answer choice that most accurately expresses the main point of the doctor's argument.

a) The therapy is more effective than no treatment at all for the illness.

- This answer choice only addresses a part of the doctor's argument and does not capture the main point that the potential effectiveness is not enough to justify the therapy's use.

b) The therapy is more effective than other forms of treatment for the illness.

- This answer choice introduces a comparison that is not present in the passage. The doctor does not discuss the effectiveness of the therapy in relation to other treatments.

c) The therapy is more expensive and complicated than other forms of treatment for the illness.

- This answer choice also introduces a comparison that is not present in the passage. The doctor only discusses the expense and complexity of the therapy, not in comparison to other treatments.

d) The therapy should not be used to treat the illness unless it is either effective or inexpensive.

- This answer choice seems to combine elements from the premise and conclusion, but it does not accurately capture the doctor's main point. The doctor is not saying that effectiveness or inexpensiveness alone would justify the therapy's use.

e) The therapy's possible effectiveness in treating the illness is not sufficient justification for using it.

- This answer choice accurately captures the doctor's main point. The doctor argues that the potential effectiveness of the therapy is not enough to justify its use, as other factors, such as cost and complexity, must be considered. Therefore, the correct answer is E.